National Adult Literacy Database

The Literacy Foundation is delighted to announce that 36,903 children living in underprivileged neighbourhoods have received a brand new book this year, through its Gift of Reading program. That is 6,100 more books than last year. Imagine all those magical moments to be shared as a family, all those worlds to be discovered through reading.

Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, have announced reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. “Canada is experiencing significant skills shortages in many sectors and regions, and Canadians must always have first crack at job opportunities when they become available,” said Minister Finley.

The Reaching IN...Reaching OUT (RIRO) trainer “intensive” prepares you to offer the RIRO Resiliency Skills Training program to service providers in your community who work with children seven years and under and their families. Join more than 200 trainers from across Canada in delivering this well-regarded program to local communities.

As part of National Volunteer Week, Literacy NL has acknowledged the many volunteers in Newfoundland and Labrador who contribute their time to building a culture of lifelong learning in the province. Community volunteers share their skills freely - in adult learning programs, in public schools and in community organizations - so others may reach their potential.

The Yukon WorkFutures website provides insight into what it’s like working in a given occupation, what jobs are in demand in Yukon, and other considerations to help individuals determine the career path that’s right for them.

“The Graduate Mentorship Program provides graduates with a work experience in the private sector related to their skills and education, and assists to bridge education with work experience,” says PEI Minister of Innovation and Advance Learning Allen Roach. “This program continues to gain popularity as it benefits both the graduate and the employer.”

The province is taking steps to make sure international students studying at language schools in Nova Scotia receive a high-quality education. Nova Scotia is the first province to introduce legislation that will regulate language schools.

Despite persistent economic pressures, salaries for creative communications professionals across Canada continue a steady climb in key categories, while industry insiders report widespread optimism for future career and business opportunities.

The ACCC Board is pleased to announce it has named Denise Amyot as the new President and CEO of the Association, effective June 4, 2013. Ms. Amyot most recently served as President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museums Corporation, where she built on her track record of leadership excellence by implementing a strategic plan emphasizing beneficial partnerships with private sector, government institutions, not-for-profit organizations and academia.

After a fairly problematic first quarter, the Quebec labour market seems to be picking up steam. This is the main finding of the latest Flash-Emploi CRHA released by the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés.

Purolator Inc. has released a survey that found job satisfaction among Canadian administrative professionals to be high at 83.5 per cent. Of the HR professionals surveyed, 79.9 per cent believe administrative professionals are taking on more responsibilities in their organizations. Administrative professionals surveyed agree - 63.2 per cent have seen an increase in their workload in the past three years.

National Volunteer Week 2013 marks the 10th consecutive year Investors Group has supported the campaign. In celebration of this commitment to community from Canada’s leading corporate supporter of volunteer recognition, Volunteer Canada is collaborating with volunteer centres in communities from coast to coast to roll out Canada’s first comprehensive, national volunteer recognition program.

ABC Life Literacy Canada’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Gillian Mason as the new president of the national non-profit adult literacy and essential skills organization. Ms. Mason will begin her new role on May 21, 2013.

This is a reminder that the National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) has taken steps to enhance its popular online library. NALD library users have the opportunity to post their comments when accessing and making use of online resources. This interactive feature is designed to help promote the high calibre of the NALD library offerings and also to assist users in their search for resources that are best suited to their purposes.

This year British Columbia will present the COF Literacy Award to an organization that, through partnerships and collaborations, demonstrates outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy. As noted by Paige MacFarlane, Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education, “We are proud of all of our recipients, as well as all those who have been nominated over the years. The depth and breadth of work promoting literacy is truly impressive.”